Echo: Reds in Yarmalenko hunt

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool face competition from AC Milan for the signing of Ukrainian star Andriy Yarmalenko after reportedly lodging a bid of almost £20m for the player.

According to Sky Italia Brendan Rodgers has offered €23m (£19.7m) for Dinamo Kiev's Yarmolenko who Ukrainian national coach Oleg Blohkin has called "unstoppable".

But Milan also have a long-standing interest in the player and after qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League, the Italian club could be ready to at least match Liverpool's offer after having a £17m bid turned down recently.

The 23-year-old's agent agent Mikhail Gulordava said: "Milan made a €20m (£17m) bid for Yarmolenko, but the only way to tempt Kiev's president is to make an offer that he can't refuse. However, Premier League clubs are also interested."

Meanwhile, Liverpool are close to signing PSG defender Mamadou Sakho despite Roma making a late move for Sakho. Sky Italia are reporting the player has agreed personal terms.

Liverpool are closing in on a surprise deal to make Shay Given their No.2 goalkeeper.

Rodgers is aiming to bring in experienced back-up for Simon Mignolet, whom he brought into replace Pepe Reina in June, and has identified Given as being an ideal.

Liverpool have resumed discussions with Sporting Lisbon over a £7million move for Tiago Ilori, who has been on Liverpool's wanted list all summer.